Canberra | Australian Federal Police

Become a protective service officer in Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s capital city and home to our national headquarters and training college, offers an exceptional lifestyle with a vibrant city with a laid-back community.

Joining us as a protective service officer (PSO) in Canberra means protecting people, places, and the diplomatic community based in the ACT.

From safeguarding Australian Parliament House and Canberra Airport to protecting diplomatic missions, government facilities and other critical national infrastructure, PSOs help ensure the security of some of Australia's most important people and locations.

Explore our sworn roles in Canberra

A Protective Service Officer (PSO) stands in front of the Australian Parliament House with another officer behind her

What you'll do

As a PSO in Canberra, you'll provide:

highly visible uniformed security at places like Parliament House
close personal protection to Australian and foreign dignitaries
witness protection
security and advice for major government, diplomatic and public events
first response activity to national security threats.

PSOs work in some of Canberra's iconic locations including the Australian Parliament House, Government House and the award-winning Canberra Airport.

Join the AFP as a protective service officer

Discover what it takes to protect Australia's highest office holders at Australia Parliament House.

Dan

Protective Service Inspector

Living in Canberra

Canberra is a vibrant city with a laid-back vibe. In 2025, Oxford Economics rated it as the best city in the world for quality of life.

In Canberra, you can build your AFP career and still have time for fun.

Enjoy hobbies and sport, meeting friends at a cafe, bar or restaurant or get out in nature. As the nation's capital, you'll also have access to world-class exhibitions and performances.

Canberra is perfectly located to enjoy:

South Coast beaches in summer
snow sports in winter
a weekend in Sydney or Melbourne.

Learn more about working and living in Canberra

AFP College

Canberra is home to both our national headquarters and the training college.

Located in the heart of Canberra, the AFP College in Barton has been the primary training facility for AFP recruits since 1979.

Upon graduation, recruits leave the College with extensive knowledge in law, police powers, protection, investigative techniques, and operational safety.

For many, the AFP College is their first introduction to life in the AFP. Yet, a significant number of staff choose to continue working in Canberra thanks to the variety of work and the relaxed lifestyle.

Learn more about the AFP

Other roles in Canberra

With the AFP’s national headquarters located in Canberra, there are a diverse range of career opportunities that become available from time to time including

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National Police Officer

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Two police officers talking to children outside

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Community Policing with ACT Policing

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Specialist and Support Roles

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To discover current job openings available in Canberra, visit our current vacancies

Hear directly from our protective service officers

Register for our free online information session to hear from our PSOs and learn more about a legendary career as a PSO. Want to meet our members in person? Keep an eye out for upcoming events near you.

View events and register

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Ready to apply?

Start your application today.

From sworn policing and protection roles to specialist and corporate support roles. Australia-wide. Grow your career with the AFP.

Apply now

Get in touch

AFP Recruitment

Or call us between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday (Canberra time).

AFP Recruitment enquiry

+61 2 5127 2555

Do you want to be part of a team committed to protecting Australians and Australia's interests?

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